Simulation Based Sensitivity Allows the Analysis of Non-Linear Relationships, Mean Shift and the Interactions Between Tolerances

Simulation Based Sensitivity is a new tool for the 3DCS AAO Add-on module that offer new advanced analysis options

So what is it and what are some instances where you would want to use this tool?

August 31st - Simulation Based Sensitivity Webinar
-- Improve sensitivity accuracy on complex models and get more detailed results - New analysis feature coming for 3DCS Advanced Analyzer and Optimizer (AAO) Add-on Module

Click Here to View the Webinar Recording

What is Simulation Based Sensitivity (SBS)?

Simulation Based Sensitivity is a new advanced analysis tool coming out for 3DCS Advanced Analyzer and Optimizer Add-on (AAO) for all versions of 3DCS software. In the following explanations, remember that the current version of AAO contains GeoFactor calculations, and uses the same calculation methods as GeoFactor.

Simulation Based Sensitivity is the next stage in the advancement of 3DCS analysis. We can now see into 3DCS model behavior in ways not possible before. Besides the usual HLM lists, we now gain insight into multivariate interactions between inputs and their effects on output mean shift.

When to Use Simulation Based Sensitivity?

SBS provides a more in-depth analysis of your contributors. This is helpful in a number of instances:

When you find a nonlinear relationship
You want more detailed information about how contributors affect your measure results
You have a mean shift or want to account for one

This is important because when you are modeling during the design phase and still have the opportunity to change contributor values, this gives you a tool that lets you instantly see the effect of the tolerance change on the measurement mean and standard deviation results.

What Kinds of Models are Good for SBS?

Measures with one-sided spec limits
Conditional logic
Tolerances that interact

–E.g. Positional tolerances with Bonus

Unilateral tolerances
Constant Offset tolerances

SBS Offers Unique Analysis for Mean Shifts and Nonlinear Relationships

SBS is important as it is the only tool in the 3DCS line up that:

Analyzes mean shift contributors.
Examines the interactions between tolerances – aka. Multivariate analysis versus high low mean or Geofactor which are univariate analysis.

Non-Linear Scenarios

SBS handles non-linear relationships. It does this by accounting for interactions between tolerances, which once accounted for, allows the user to treat the relationship as linear.

Furthermore, by relating the tolerance range to the measure ranges, you get a better idea of how the tolerances contribute even when they are not linear.

The chart below shows an example of a non-linear scenario, and the difference between the simulation results and standard GeoFactor, a good indicator to use Simulation Based Sensitivity.

New Multi-Core Processing Enhances Analysis Times

As a more advanced analysis, Simulation Based Sensitivity takes more time to run than standard analyses. As users ourselves, we understand the pain of having to wait long hours to see your results, or having managers and team members chomping at the bit for data that you can not get until the bar on the screen fills up.

To help out with this issue, DCS is getting two solutions ready for 7.4:

Multi-core processing (also called multi-threading)
Cloud Computing through Parallel Works

These two methods will greatly enhance the speed of your analysis. Need those results sooner? Now you can get them. Interested in how these two solutions speed up your analysis? Sign up for the webinar series and join us at the end of September to see for yourself!